Laurent, Elaine

Artist Statement

Each of my purses, lamps, clocks, and valets are 1-of-a-kind creations. I will recycle and use anything to create these fun, functional pieces of art. I use fabricated hardware, recycled pieces and antique items. The few things I cannot make, find, recycle or fabricate, I design and have made. I use leather, chain, and cording for my handmade straps. All of my handles are handmade as well and I drill 90% of all of my beads, using mostly vintage beads. I use metal, stone, plastic, bone, and wood beads. Some boxes are finished more simple, but most are painted, crystaled or studded. I use Swarovski Crystals, vintage 45 records, or wine and champaign labels. On the inside the purses are lined and trimmed w/ designer fabrics, including leather, suede, silks, embroidery, and tapestry. The lamps are a creation of several boxes stacked and arranged to open for storage and some have clocks. Lamp shades are trimmed and finished w/ feathers and beads. All lamps are completely handmade by me